Greetings from Soddo Christian Hospital

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Greetings from Soddo Christian Hospital,

In mid-November, we completed twelve weeks of Amharic language training in the capital city of Addis Ababa and moved six hours south to Soddo. We live in a very comfortable three-bedroom house on the hospital property. We LOVE it. Our house is hooked up to the hospital’s electrical system, so when the power goes out, which it does several times a day, the generator kicks in for us just like it does for the hospital. What’s not to like?

Right now the hospital is finishing up a new Post-Anesthesia Care Unit and a small cafe for visitors and employees. Kurt is in the design phase of a new administration building and outpatient department.

Our hospital operates an accredited surgical residency program called the Pan African Academy of Christian Surgeons (PAACS). Pictured is the ceremony welcoming our newest resident into the program, Dr. Meheret. The two most senior surgeons in the program, PAACS Director, Dr. Andrew Chew, and Dr. Efeson, emulate the example of Jesus by washing the feet of Dr. Meheret.

These residents are some of the brightest young doctors in the nation. They could pursue money and renown in the major cities of Africa such as Addis Ababa, Nairobi, Johannesburg. Or they could emigrate to Europe or the United States. But they are following a call from God to train as missionary surgeons, committing to bring their skills and the good news of Jesus Christ to an underserved area on this continent.

We are so happy to be part of the team serving here.

Kurt and Amy